American Gangster (2007)

This is a biographical account of dreaded gangster Frank Lucas and how Richie Roberts nabs him with his persistent efforts. Frank is notorious for smuggling into the US, high quality drugs through the US Army planes from Vietnam. He sells them at a lesser price than the competition and calls his brand "Blue Magic". He doesn't like competition and literally monopolizes the market. He has to bribe a lot of cops to stay in business.

Richie has a troubled family life as he is totally into his work. He doesn't take money and is honest to a fault. He sleeps around with many women but when it comes to work he is perfect. He also passes his bar exams. With his team of handpicked men, he finally gets to Frank Lucas and his horde of brothers & cousins, and succeeds in putting him and all the corrupt cops behind bars.

Frank's sentence is reduced to 15 yrs from the initial 70 yrs for his co-operation in the investigation.

Review

• Gripping fare with 2 heavy weight superstars playing their roles with ease. Denzel Washington's aggression is fiery while Russell Crowe is the cop who is trying to bring him down. He looks bulky though. There are many more characters in the form of the other cops, Frank's brothers and cousins, his beautiful wife, his mother etc. All have played their parts. 
• The process of bringing in the drugs from Vietnam and the way Richie goes about his investigation is detailed. 

VERDICT

An engaging true-life story with lot of detailing. Worth a watch